Originally from Galway, singer/songwriter LAOISE grew up playing the fiddle and performing in traditional Irish sessions at her local pub. It was this special sense of togetherness that made her want to pursue music as a career. During her teenage years, she started listening to the likes of Kate Bush and David Bowie. While most current Irish acts steer towards the more traditional folk sound, there is no one else currently in Ireland making the style of music that LAOISE is making at this moment in time – glittering, electro-pop with infectiously catchy choruses.
Next Friday, she will be releasing her brand new single ‘Bother’ which has been lifted off her upcoming second EP. Here we speak exclusively to LAOISE to about her new music, musical styles, touring plans, and more;
Growing up who inspired your love of music?
I was lucky enough to grow up in a house where music was always playing. My parents introduced me to many greats when I was child, acts like Fleetwood Mac and Kate Bush, so they played a massive part in my love for music. My sister played the piano too, and she’d always want to teach me songs, so I guess I’ve always loved music, there was no other way about it.
Who are your all time musical heroes?
Stevie Nicks and Kate Bush really stand out to me, even today, they’re musical gems. I can still remember hearing both Edge of Seventeen and Wuthering Heights for the first time, hearing their melodies, their expression, and their fire. That was a long time ago so they’ve really made a lasting impact on my own music and writing.
You spent a lot of your youth performing in pubs in Ireland how do you feel those experiences shaped your sound?
I did, I played the fiddle, which sounds super cool, not nerdy at all haha. My parents would bring me to play with other musicians and there was a great sense of community wherever you’d go. They shaped my sound quite a bit because it was playing with these musicians that I realised how much I loved melody and harmony; I loved seeing how people would react to them. So when it comes to writing my own music, I know what I like and I love figuring out how to showcase that.
How do you feel your musical style differs from that of traditional Irish music?
I guess because I write electro-pop songs, you’d think that my music would be completely different to that of Irish traditional music. But I guess when you strip it back, it was written with guitar or piano and the melodies aren’t too far from a Celtic vibe. People always say that they can hear a massive Irish influence in my song ‘Halfway’, so I’d it just differs more in its production and with my own taste around it.
Your new single ‘Bother’ will be released on February 7th, what inspired the track?
I wrote ‘Bother’ about a relationship that was ending; I didn’t want it to at the time, so I kept letting the other person mess with my head. They’d let me take the blame in any situation, even when it was never my fault, and then they’d twist it around and make me feel like I needed saving. I didn’t write ‘Bother’ straight away, in fact the relationship had been over for quite some time, and it was bumping into that person a while later that made me write the song. I sat down at the piano and within 20 minutes I had ‘Bother’, and it said all the things I wish I had said a long time ago.
What do you hope listeners take from the single?
I’ve always tried to be as independent as I can, even as a child I was pretty autonomous. But sometimes some horrible things happen to you and it can really knock you down for a while. So when I listen to Bother, I don’t hear the unhappy girl I was before. It feels a little wacky to say it, but I hear a strong and sanguine woman, and I hope people can take that for themselves too.
What can fans expect from your upcoming second EP?
Writing my second EP has been so FUN. I’ve really just let myself go and do exactly what I want to do without having to think about other people anymore. I’m not scared to try anything new, and I think you can hear a real step away from my first EP in this one because it’s going to be a little more upbeat.
Do you have any plans to release a full-length album soon?
Oh definitely, someday at least! I’ve been writing more than ever recently, so looking into the future releasing an album may not be so distant. (eeeek!)
Will you be touring this year?
Yes I hope to tour in 2018. I have a few shows that haven’t been announced just yet, but I’m crazy excited about them. So if people are interested they can keep an eye on my socials!
What are your 2018 career goals?
At the start of the year, I set out a small list of goals. The main thing I hope to achieve is connecting with as many people as I can. I want to play shows and really connect with the audience, and I want to release music that really resonates with people. If people can relate to my music then I think I’ve won.
Make sure you follow LAOISE on Twitter @laoisemusic to keep up to date with all her latest music and tour news!
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